In response to increased member interest in renewable energy, many utilities now offer customers the choice of having a higher percentage of their electric power generated from renewable resources.
Renewable energy is electricity generated from natural energy resources like water, wind, solar and even landfill gas.
A substantial portion of your electricity already comes from a renewable resource. The Cloverland Electric and U.S. Corps of Engineers hydro plants located on the St. Mary's Rapids generate about 40 percent of your electricity using the water that passes through the hydroelectric turbines. The balance is purchased from other utilities that produce electricity using conventional fossil fuel resources.
By enrolling in our green power program, you can voluntarily increase the percentage of electricity you purchase from renewable resources to even higher levels. The table below illustrates the additional cost for various levels of participation.
| Participation Level |
Renewable Percentage |
Additional Cost Per kwh |
| Hydro Base-Current |
40% |
$0.00 |
| Hydro, plus Renewable |
60% |
$.0041 |
| Hydro, plus Renewable |
80% |
$.0082 |
| Hydro, plus Renewable |
100% |
$.0122 |
Why does renewable energy cost more?
Renewable energy costs slightly more because it typically costs more to build and operate the facilities that produce electricity from renewable resources. This program is designed for those who want to further reduce the country's reliance on conventional generation resources such as coal and natural gas.
If I choose to increase my participation level will I notice a
difference in my electric service?
No. You will continue to receive the same reliable electric service. The additional renewable power you purchase each month will be delivered to your home or business through the existing power lines.
How do I know the additional electricity I am purchasing through this program comes from renewable resources?
Since electricity flows through a grid, there isn't any method to differentiate between electrons generated from renewable resources and those produced using more conventional resources. However, by increasing the percentage of renewable power you purchase, we reduce our fossil fuel generated power purchases each month proportionately. A complete disclosure of our fuel mix is available upon request.
For more information, call our offices at1-800-562-4953.
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